Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their naturally occurring inhibitors (TIMPs) are known to have an essential role in connective tissue remodeling and wound healing. We have previously found significantly higher levels of MMP–2 and MMP–9 in the tear fluid of eyes with cystic filtering blebs, as compared to normal eyes. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of these enzymes and their tissue inhibitors TIMP–1 and TIMP–2 in cystic filtering blebs, and compare the values to those recorded for healthy conjunctiva. Methods: Cystic blebs from 4 surgically repaired bleb leak eyes and healthy conjunctiva from 6 eyes undergoing cataract surgery were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for the expression of MMP–2, MMP–9, TIMP–1 and TIMP–2. Results: MMP–2 and MMP–9 expression was found in cystic bleb tissues but not in healthy conjunctiva. The expression of TIMP–1 and TIMP–2 was recorded in all layers of the filtering blebs but only in the epithelial layers of healthy conjunctiva. Conclusions: This study demonstrates MMP–2, MMP–9, TIMP–1 and TIMP–2 expression in cystic filtering blebs and provides further information on the development of cystic blebs.
Keywords: wound healing • enzymes/enzyme inhibitors • immunohistochemistry